Why Are the Flowers So Red Scenic Area is located in Kanger Yang Village, Bandier Township, Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, about 55 kilometers away from the county seat, with an average altitude of 3,000 meters and a land area of 985 square kilometers. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area features distinct characteristics, integrating magnificent natural landscapes and rich Tajik ethnic customs, including natural landscapes such as primeval forests, clear streams, and towering snow-capped mountains, as well as well-preserved Tajik-style villages, unique folk cultures, and traditional crafts. The scenic area has built numerous attractions and established a village art troupe to display Tajik customs through performances. Meanwhile, supporting facilities are complete, with 50 pastoral homestays, 42 yurts, more than 40 standard rooms, as well as tourist restaurants, bazaars, bonfire squares, specialty stores, etc.
History and Culture
This is the birthplace of the song Why Are the Flowers So Red in the movie The Visitors on the Icy Mountain. More than 50 years ago, the composer created this widely sung song here. Kanger Yang Village is a concentrated settlement of the Tajik people, with a long history and profound cultural heritage, where Tajik traditional culture has been inherited and carried forward. In addition, there are Zoroastrian ruins here, witnessing the spread and development of ancient religious cultures.
Main Attractions
Star-Gazing Platform
The scenic area has little light pollution, making it an excellent star-gazing location. Local investments have upgraded hardware facilities, adding high-powered telescopes and other equipment, allowing visitors to enjoy the brilliant starry sky and feel the vastness of the universe here.
Song Creation Former Residence
This is where the composer of Why Are the Flowers So Red created the song, carrying the creative history and cultural connotations of the song, enabling visitors to closely feel the inspiration source of musical creation.
300-Year-Old Tajik Old House
It is the largest and oldest Tajik ancient residence in the local area, demonstrating the traditional architectural style and lifestyle of the Tajik people, with high historical and cultural value.
Kanger Yang Grand Canyon
Surrounded by mountains on all sides, the road from the canyon to the village offers infinite scenery. Passing through the rocky hills, you can see the open canyon plain, large areas of primeval forests, gurgling streams, and winding mountain roads connecting the white snow-capped mountains.
Why Are the Flowers So Red Performing Arts Hall
The village art troupe performs evenings such as The Flower of Love — Why Are the Flowers So Red, The Flower of Youth — The Flowers Are So Red, and The Flower of National Unity — The Flowers Are Always So Red here, displaying the current living conditions of villagers and Tajik customs through stage performances.
Food
Tajik Barbecue
High-quality mutton is selected, cut into large pieces, marinated with special spices, and hung over fire for roasting. The roasted mutton has a crispy outer skin and tender, juicy meat inside. It tastes wonderful when paired with naan bread.
Tajik Hand-Pulled Rice
It is made by stewing high-quality mutton, carrots, onions, and other ingredients with rice. The rice is fragrant, the mutton is tender, and the flavors of carrots and onions blend into the rice, featuring a rich taste and balanced nutrition.
Tajik Yogurt
Made from high-quality milk through traditional fermentation processes, it has a rich taste, sweet and sour flavor, and the effect of aiding digestion and relieving greasiness. It is often served with honey, sugar, etc., for a richer taste.
Tajik Naan
Made from high-quality wheat flour through processes such as fermentation, kneading, and rolling. It comes in various shapes, with a golden, crispy surface and a soft, delicate interior. It is the local staple food and can be paired with various dishes.
Tickets
Free admission.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours.
Tour Routes
Start by visiting the Song Creation Former Residence to learn about the song's creative background; then go to the 300-Year-Old Tajik Old House to experience the traditional architectural style of the Tajik people; next, visit Kanger Yang Grand Canyon to enjoy natural scenery; have lunch at the scenic area restaurant to taste local cuisine; in the afternoon, go to the Why Are the Flowers So Red Performing Arts Hall to watch performances; and at night, go to the Star-Gazing Platform to admire the starry sky.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Depart from Taxkorgan County Seat and drive about 55 kilometers along relevant highways to reach the scenic area.
- Chartered car: You can hire a vehicle in the county seat to go to the scenic area, which is convenient for arranging the itinerary freely.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Star-Gazing Platform: With little light pollution and equipped with professional equipment, it is an excellent place to watch the starry sky.
- Kanger Yang Grand Canyon: It has magnificent natural scenery, including primeval forests, snow-capped mountains, streams, and other landscapes.
- Why Are the Flowers So Red Performing Arts Hall: You can enjoy wonderful Tajik folk performances and deeply understand the local culture.
Tour Tips
- The recommended visiting time is 1-2 days to fully appreciate the natural landscapes and cultural attractions of the scenic area.
- Prepare warm clothing as the scenic area has a high altitude and large temperature difference between day and night.
- Carry sunscreen products as ultraviolet rays are strong in high-altitude areas.
Notes
- Respect local religious beliefs and customs, especially the cultural traditions of the Tajik people.
- Keep quiet in areas such as the Star-Gazing Platform to avoid affecting others' star-gazing experience.
- Take care of the scenic area environment, do not litter, and do not damage natural landscapes or cultural relics and historic sites.